A bit patterned magnetic recording medium, comprises a non-magnetic substrate having a surface; a plurality of spaced apart magnetic elements on the surface, each of the elements constituting a discrete magnetic domain or bit; and a layer of a ferromagnetic material for regulating magnetic exchange coupling between said magnetic elements. The layer has a saturation magnetization M.sub.s ranging from about 1 to about 2,000 emu/cm.sup.3, preferably below about 400 emu/cm.sup.3, more preferably below about 200 emu/cm.sup.3, and may overlie, underlie, or at least partially fill spaces between adjacent magnetic elements.